About Joel & Lisa Schmidt

We love the Catholic faith. We’re not perfect, and we don’t profess to be. But we’re trying … practicing, you might say. We write about faith, family life, culture, current events, media, and pretty much anything else related to practicing the Catholic faith.

Here are my most recent posts

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So You Want to be a Deaconess?

Catholic-Stand-Pope-Francis

Women deacons. It’s in the news again thanks to comments a German Bishop recently made about the potential of a new “diaconal” role for women in the Church. Given this topic is one that’s generating conversation and Joel is currently in deacon formation, we felt called weigh in on the issue over at Catholic Stand. . . . → Read More: So You Want to be a Deaconess?

Thinking about Choosing Cremation?

Catholic-Stand-Pope-Francis

Our latest post at Catholic Stand addresses the Church’s teaching on cremation, which seems to be gaining popularity among Catholics. Here’s an excerpt and link to the full article. . . . → Read More: Thinking about Choosing Cremation?

New Life at Das Schmidt Haus

Das Schmidt Haus is growing by two feet

We’re on the letter L in our Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Seems like a prime opportunity to celebrate LIFE and share a special announcement. . . . → Read More: New Life at Das Schmidt Haus

Confessions: Hers and His

Waiting in Line

C is for Confession; we’re talking hers and his experiences. What’s the difference? Nothing that really matters. We both went, confessed, and were forgiven. We both received the graces given through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. While our experiences were wildly different, at the end of the day, they are the same. We examined our consciences, made good confessions, and received absolution from our sins. We were washed clean by a shower of grace by God’s mercy. . . . → Read More: Confessions: Hers and His

Catholic Stand: Lent, Holy Water, Baptism and Infants

CatholicStandPope

We have joined the crew at Catholic Stand, a website dedicated to providing perspectives and education on Church teachings. We will contribute a column on the third Saturday of each month. Our inaugural post covers a range of topics related to holy water, Lent, and the Sacrament of Baptism. . . . → Read More: Catholic Stand: Lent, Holy Water, Baptism and Infants

Review (and Giveaway+) of Christopher West’s New Book

Fill These Hearts

Holy Mary! Now this is a giveaway! In honor of a local gal writing this review of Christopher West’s new book “Fill These Hearts” and our prize vault getting a little full, we’re hosting a MEGA giveaway open to our central Iowa readers only. . . . → Read More: Review (and Giveaway+) of Christopher West’s New Book

Why Put a Crucifix in Every Room of Your Home?

The Manger and the Cross

It’s been said the crucifix is the Church’s most powerful visual aid. As the little girl in the cartoon underscores, looking at the crucifix can be tough at times. Baby Jesus in the manger is a whole lot easier on the eyes, but Christ on the cross is just as much a part of the reality of our salvation. The nativity doesn’t mean anything without the crucifix. The manger and the cross are inextricably linked – life and death, joy and suffering, working together for our salvation. . . . → Read More: Why Put a Crucifix in Every Room of Your Home?

The Practicing Catholic 2012 Year-End Review

Image courtesy FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here’s a review of our top ten posts of 2012 — some thoughts about what worked and what didn’t — and our blogging strategy for 2013. Plus some questions for our readers and fellow bloggers. . . . → Read More: The Practicing Catholic 2012 Year-End Review

A Super-Stupendous “Celebrating Advent with Children” Giveaway

Welcome Baby Jesus by Sarah Reinhard

It’s our super-stupendous, heretofore unprecedented, soon-to-be legendary “Celebrating Advent with Children” giveaway! . . . → Read More: A Super-Stupendous “Celebrating Advent with Children” Giveaway

From Sinner to Saint: Restless Heart Movie Depicts Life of St. Augustine

Restless Heart: The Confessions of Augustine

Restless Heart is the first-ever feature film on beloved St. Augustine of Hippo. Based on his book The Confessions, the movie tells the amazing true story of Augustine in his own words. It is the story of one who pursues fame and fortune without a moral compass – and the changes that occur when events lead him to see the light. . . . → Read More: From Sinner to Saint: Restless Heart Movie Depicts Life of St. Augustine